Calculators & Tools

Binge Eating Disorder

DSM-5 criteria - recurrent binge eating without regular compensatory behaviour.

1 What is the Binge Eating Disorder?

The Binge Eating Disorder is a psychosocial scoring tool used in paediatric practice. DSM-5 criteria - recurrent binge eating without regular compensatory behaviour. It scores 5 criteria and interprets the total across 2 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.

2 When to use it

  • Grading severity at the bedside in psychosocial
  • Recording an objective severity band in the case notes
  • Deciding when a total crosses the threshold for escalation
  • Re-scoring to track whether a child is improving or deteriorating
  • Checking the exact criteria of a score used infrequently

3 Formula & method

The score sums 5 criteria: Eating much more rapidly than normal; Eating until feeling uncomfortably full; Eating large amounts when not physically hungry; Eating alone because of embarrassment about how much one is eating; Feeling disgusted, depressed or very guilty afterwards. Totals are then banded: any score - Below threshold: fewer than 3 features endorsed; 3 criteria met or more - Threshold met: ≥3 features, with binge episodes ≥1×/week for 3 months, marked distress, and NO regular compensatory behaviour - consistent with binge eating disorder.
  • DSM-5 threshold: 3 or more of the 5 criteria listed.
  • A diagnosis also requires clinically significant distress or impairment, the required duration, and exclusion of substance use or another condition. Screening aid only - not a diagnosis.

4 Frequently asked questions

How many criteria does the Binge Eating Disorder use?

5. They are Eating much more rapidly than normal; Eating until feeling uncomfortably full; Eating large amounts when not physically hungry; Eating alone because of embarrassment about how much one is eating; Feeling disgusted, depressed or very guilty afterwards.

What do the bands of the Binge Eating Disorder mean?

The total is interpreted as: any score - Below threshold: fewer than 3 features endorsed; 3 criteria met or more - Threshold met: ≥3 features, with binge episodes ≥1×/week for 3 months, marked distress, and NO regular compensatory behaviour - consistent with binge eating disorder.

Does the score replace clinical judgement?

No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.

Where does this score come from?

DSM-5 threshold: 3 or more of the 5 criteria listed.

Does it work offline?

Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.

For qualified clinicians. This page and the PediAid app are a clinical aid only. Calculations and reference data must be verified against the patient's clinical context, the source guideline and your local protocols before any treatment decision is made.